- Read books you absolutely disagree with from authors with whom you are philosophically polarized. The Communist Manifesto is one of the best books I’ve ever read, and it’s also one that made me think about why I hate it. Stretch your faith through reading and discussion.
- Simon Sinek’s “Start with Why” is still one of my favorite TED Talks. What you do has to start with a purpose burrowed deep into your core. Your “Why” has to drive your “What,” whether it’s work, ministry, relationships, or fun. Life without purpose is a life not lived.
- A new friend of mine made a profound statement today, saying he’d rather be thinking about God while doing what he loves doing instead of sitting in church thinking about what he loves doing. Worship has no location boundary. If we’re not creating engaging opportunities to worship together as parts of the Church, no matter where we are, we’re drifting away from the center of our worship: our Creator and Savior Jesus Christ.
- The three biggest issues facing the Church today is navigating the LGBT lifestyle, the use of marijuana, and spiritual abuse. How the Church responds will say a lot about where we are with the mission of Christ, the grace and truth of God, and our level of surrender to Gospel transformation.
- Pray for Dr. Kent Brantly as he fights for his life with the Ebola virus. The virus has no known cure at this time. His wife and two kids are thousands of miles away and not certain whether they will see Kent survive. Pray for a miracle and unbelievable grace for them.
- Make your car a university on wheels. Set aside whatever time you can to download podcasts, lectures, messages, sermons, audio books, whatever you want that will build into your future. Turn your car radio into a mobile classroom during your commute.
- Your identity in Christ is yours to protect, not forget. The most dangerous threat to your identity in Christ is letting anything or anyone but Christ start maligning your identity. You are a child of God and a valuable treasure worth redemption in His eyes.
Jon, pray also for Nancy Sillivan Writebol, the other person with Ebola in Liberia. She is originally from the Englewood Area and attended First Christian at the time we did. I knew her and probably your Mom did too. Gram
Wow, I didn’t know that. Sounds like she got some experimental treatment that’s curing her.